ScorpioN

ScorpioN is now accepting questions! Submit here: thescorpion@megadeth.com. Before you ask a question, read the SCORPION ARCHIVES and make sure that your question has not already been answered! ScorpioN may not be able to answer every question asked. Please only submit one question per email in an easy to read format. Check back here to www.megadeth.com/scorpion often to see if your question was selected! ScorpioN section is updated every Monday.

07/08/2013

I tried searching the net, and I have gained no further knowledge than what the "Peace Sells" booklet says. I was wondering what Marshall model was Dave playing back in the KIMB - SFSGSW era. Also did he use any pedals?

Well, nameless Droogie, equipment questions are best answered by the musician using said equipment, so here's Dave's reply:

"The amps I used during PS & SF was a basic Marshall JCM 800, and the pedal used was a relic called a "Rock man." It had chorus, delay, and distortion, if memory serves me correctly."

Hopes this helps you get the sound you are looking for, or at least satisfies your curiosity. I personally can't remember what kind of spider I had for lunch yesterday, so that's pretty impressive...

-ScorpioN

07/02/2013

So I remember seeing pictures in Dave's early days of him with a BC Rich. I remember reading somewhere it was a BC Rich Bich Perfect 10. Did he play with all 10 strings on it? Or did he just string it up with only 6?

- Nick

Dear Nick,

Dave Mustaine would clearly be the person to clarify your question, and he wanted to give you a first-hand account:

"I did have a BC Rich "Rich Bich" guitar. It was not called a perfect 10, as it was anything but that. I played it with 10 strings for a couple days and my thigh kept hitting the tuners on the body, so I ditched the sympathetic strings, as they are called.

I ended up completely abandoning BC Rich and all of the guitars I had accumulated from them after the infamous "Norfolk, Virginia 'Boathouse' gig" where I had just got on stage with a brand new set of strings and broke two of them during the first song. I went to Jackson Guitars after that."

My keen sense tells me Dave was not impressed with that particular brand of guitar...

Thanks for your question!

-ScorpioN

06/24/2013

Hi ScorpioN,

On the track Beginning of Sorrow, there is a phrase in the middle that says, Origo doloris non erit crastinus dies ...what does that mean?

Thanks,
Robert

Hey Robert,

Origo doloris non erit crastinus dies is Latin and means "Beginning of sorrow, there will be no tomorrow". Dave got a little help from a Latin teacher to make sure the translation was correct!

Gratias,
-ScorpioN

06/12/2013

ScorpioN,

Do you travel with the band?

Oscar

Hi Oscar,

Of course I travel with the band. Who do you think holds the camera for all of David's videos? I'm also in charge of all the coffee runs and waking up Willie Gee ....with a sting of my tail!

Bon voyage,

-ScorpioN

06/04/2013

ScorpioN,

What's your favorite song on Super Collider and why?

Jen

Dear Jen,

Super Collider is a great listen from beginning to end, that's for sure. Every time I listen to a track again I hear something new, but right now I would have to say it's "The Blackest Crow". The crow is an often misunderstood creature having many roles in world mythologies and religions, and is often associated with negative characteristics...kind of like me. Birds of a feather...as they say. Also, the slide guitar is haunting and very "you might not come back from the swamps alive"...so naturally I would dig it.

-ScorpioN

05/27/2013

Hi ScorpioN,

I want have two questions about MegadetH new single "Kingmaker" (btw must say its a masterpiece)
First, what effect did Mr.Ellefson use in the intro that makes this wah like sound? Second, He used his new Kellybird signature or signature Concert bass?

Thanks very much!

Janusz Bujnowski

Janusz,

Glad you like the new song! David used his signature X series Jackson five string bass to record the track.

The effect was an onboard effect that he duplicates live with his Hartke Attack Pedal and a Jim Dunlop bass wah pedal.

-ScorpioN

05/21/2013

Hello Scorpion, my question is for Dave.
Can you tell us about what is it the new song "Don't Turn Your Back"

Thanks, Hugs from Argentina.

Bel "megashewolf".

Hi Bel, and thanks for your question. We've all heard a snippet of the song and I for one can't wait to hear more. If you've been living under a rock and haven't heard it yet, you can listen to it HERE.

The boss gave this insight to your question: "This song is about having a friend that is actually someone that you should really not be friends with in the end."

Don't worry Bel, you can be friends with me...

-ScorpioN

05/13/2013

Hi Scorpion,

I have a question about one of my favorite Megadeth songs: Deadly Nightshade. Just who is that person laughing and what exactly is she saying? I can only make out a few words. Would be nice to know the story behind the use of that voice.

Thanks so much!

-Bryan Waring, CT

Hey Bryan,

That happens to be one of my favorite songs of the album TH1RT3EN, and I'm sure a lot of people would like to know, so here ya go:

The voice is Electra Mustaine's, Dave Mustaine's daughter, and he says they were told she said, I dont know whats come over me, all of a sudden I feel like I need to lie down.

The Deadly Nightshade is a poisonous flowering plant that has a long history as a medicine, cosmetic, and poison. I know a little about that subject myself...

-ScorpioN

05/06/2013

Hi Scorpion,
I have a question for Dave Mustaine. I am 13 and really want to read your
book but my dad and I want to know if it is kid friendly. What do you think?

Thanks,
Devin

Hi Devin,

First let me commend you for being a fine youth who likes to read and is conscious of being age-appropriate. Dave Mustaine started playing guitar as a pre-teen, and picked up an electric guitar when he was just 15 years old. The rest, as they say, is history.

His autobiography does contain some colorful content, and adult language, but only your dad can decide if he thinks it's appropriate for you. Might I suggest that he reads it first so he can make the decision he thinks is best? With any luck, and a little persuasive debate, he'll decide that you are beyond your years and can handle some colorful tales.

-ScorpioN

04/29/2013

Hey Scorpion!

I was wondering what the influences, lyrically, behind the new single 'Super Collider'. Also, will there be a music video to accompany this new track?

Sincerely,

Josh Holmes (SC)

Hi Josh,

We are so excited about the release of Super Collider!

Dave was happy to answer your question, so you're getting it straight from him.

"The influences were reading a USA Today article on the God Particle. Actually the song "The Disintegrators" was supposed to be called "Super Collider", but was changed to "The Atomic Disintegrators", then later shortened to "The Disintegrators". There will be a video, but the band is shying away from the overused performance videos, and telling the story of the song, more than just standing there and lip synching."

-ScorpioN

04/15/2013

Hi Scorpion,

I saw a possible album cover on the internet for "Super Collider" but I didn't see it officially released on Megadeth.com. When will you be officially releasing it? Can't wait for the new album!

- Alistair Lisle, Newcastle, UK

Hello Alistair, if you didn't see yet, check out the very front page of www.megadeth.com for a puzzle that reveals the new album cover. You can also do the puzzle at www.megadethgame.com.

There was a version of the cover circulating around the Internet for the past couple months or so with exploding logo and some sub-standard quality artwork, was a very poor design. Remember, nothing is ever official, especially in the case of a Megadeth album cover release, if it wasn't posted here first at Megadeth.com.

Hope you dig the new cover as much as we do!!! You are sure to love the new album once it's released on June 4.

-ScorpioN

04/01/2013

Hello Scorpion,

Just wondering if when we will possibly here a new single from the upcoming Megadeth album and also if there might possibly be a "Making of Super Collider" DVD?

Nick F.

Hello Nick,

A new single will be released soon! Keep your eyes and ears peeled to Megadeth.com for news about that!

There was a fair amount of video footage taken during the recording process of "Super Collider". The band posted tidbits of video clips throughout the last few months, but there was a lot of footage that had not been made public ..as yet. There may very well be a "Making-of Super Collider" DVD in the future, no promises yet, but there is possibility of it happening!

-ScorpioN

03/18/2013

Hello Scorpion,

When Youthanasia came out there was a video that was also released depicting the making of the album. I have it packed away with all my VHS tapes. I believe it was called "Devolver: The Making of Youthanasia". In this day of great technology, is there any hopes that we could see this great video released on Blu-Ray or DVD? It is an awesome video and every fan of Megadeth, especially Youthanasia, should see it.

Mark from California

Hello Mark,

The video is actually called "Evolver: The Making Of Youthanasia" ...but you were close! You'll have to bring it out more often. ;)

Evolver took us behind-the scenes to witness the making of Megadeth's 1994 album "Youthansia". The film, while seemingly recorded using low quality home video cameras, gives us a great view of Megadeth's groundbreaking 1994 album. See more details about the album in Megadeth.com's Videography section.

The video was released on VHS and still is available for sale and online stores such as Amazon. It's a nice thought to have it released on DVD or Blu-Ray but I'll be honest with you, I just don't see it happening anytime soon. But you never know! Maybe one day... That being said, there has been a lot of new video footage taken at Vic's Garage recently during the recording process of "Super Collider" and we may just see a DVD or Blu_Ray come out of that! As for Evolver, for now, we'll have to pull out our VHS players and sit back for some old school classic video!

-ScorpioN

03/11/2013

Hello,

I have a question about the lyrics of "Sweating Bullets":

The text says:

Hindsight is always 20-20

What actually does "20-20" mean?

Cheers Mareike (Germany)

Hello Mareike,

Vision or visual acuity is tested by reading a Snellen eye chart at a distance of 20 feet. By looking at lots of people, eye doctors have decided what a "normal" human being should be able to see when standing 20 feet away from an eye chart. If you have 20/20 vision, it means that when you stand 20 feet away from the chart you can see what a "normal" human being can see. (In metric, the standard is 6 meters and it's called 6/6 vision). In other words, if you have 20/20 vision your vision is "normal" -- a majority of people in the population can see what you can see at 20 feet.

The definition of "Hindsight is always 20/20" is an ability to figure out what one should have done after it is too late to do it. Looking back you have a clearer vision (20/20) of the event.

But alas, in the song Sweating Bullets, looking back is still a bit fuzzy. Nice story...

-ScorpioN

02/25/2013

Hi Scorpion,

I wondered if there are any tabs of David's bass solos available. David is one hell of a bassist and I want to play all of his lines I find awesome. I am primarily interested in a 1995 solo.

Thank you very much!

Robert

Hi Robert,

There are several tabs available in the official Megadeth song books on the market, particularly with Hal Leonard. As for the bass solos, those are not officially tabbed anywhere. Have fun and glad you enjoy the bass lines!!

-ScorpioN

02/18/2013

Hello

I'm from Brazil and watched every Megadeth concert here since 98.
Countdown to Extinction and Rust in Peace are among my favorite of all times albums, and since I'm starting to play the bass I would like to know what gear David Ellefson used on both albums.

Thanks

R. Pigatto

Hello R. Pigatto,

On both "Rust In Peace" and "Countdown To Extinction" David Ellefson recorded with his Jackson Concert basses of the day, plugged into Gallien-Krueger 800RB bass amp heads which powered two Hartke 410 speaker cabinets. Those cabinets were the original Hartke aluminum cone speakers. He also used Rotosound Swing Bass strings and a heavy Jim Dunlop Tortex pick.

Keep in mind, David no longer uses those products and have been replaced by more modern technologies which he uses today. In particular, his Jackson basses and the newest Hartke products.

More importantly, tone is really in your hands. While gear is important, pay special attention to your fingering and how you pick/pluck the strings as well. Much of the Megadeth sound is really in the picking/plucking techniques and is what sets the band's sound apart from the rest.

Have fun and enjoy your bass playing!!

-ScorpioN

02/11/2013

Hey Scorpion, this question is for Dave.
I've been roller skating all my life, and all the times I've fell is finally catching up with me (i.e bad knees, bad back, arthritis from multiple broken bones, ect... and I'm only 20). A little over 2 years ago, I was kicked in the back (literally) where my neck and shoulders meet. Ever since then, my fretting hand has been a little on the weaker side, and shakes like crazy if I try to use it. I've even lost some of the feeling in it. :/ We've figured out that getting kicked in that area had caused nerve damage to that entire arm.
Because of that, I've had a hard time trying to play guitar or bass. Can't ever get my fingers to go where I tell them to go half the time, since they just like to do their own little thing. :/ I haven't stopped trying though. It's gotten a little better, but not enough to start praising to the high heavens.
As someone who's had nerve damage in their fretting hand/arm, what was the process of getting full movement back in that arm? Were there any specific exercises that you needed to do?

In an unrelated topic... I'm seriously looking forward to your guys' new album. From what I've heard in the little snippets, it sounds like it's going to be fantastic!

Kelsie :)

Hi Kelsie,

In January 2002, Dave fell asleep in a chair with his arm in an awkward position, which cut off the circulation to the radial ulnar nerve in his left bicep, compressing it. A compressed radial nerve is commonly called "Saturday Night Palsy". This left him unable to feel or properly move his hand, as the brain could not communicate muscle movement through the nerve. His treatment included four months of extensive physical therapy, as well as acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments and weight training. During this time he was able to fully recover from his nerve injury, as well as tendon damage in his finger he had previously suffered from. After being pronounced 100% healed by his doctor, Dave took on the task of relearning to play guitar, with help from guitarist Ric Flauding.
Read more of what Dave Mustaine has to say about it HERE.

-ScorpioN

01/28/2013

Hey Scorpion,

Can you tell me what all the knobs are set to on the JVM410? I love playing their music more than anything and would love to know. I just bought one with Dave's signature Cab and angel of death vmnt.

Thanks

James

Hi James,

Let me say that for a while now, Dave Mustaine's sound LIVE is almost ALWAYS a Marshall 9200 power amp and Fractal Audio Systems Axe FX preamp.

The JVM410 head is used for all recordings, clinics, small shows, some television-related things....

So, the settings Dave uses will vary depending on guitars, the room, etc. - but here is info that will get you in the ballpark for getting his tone:

On the JVM head, lately Dave's been going with these settings. All numbers are referring to "clock position" settings - so, "12" would be with the knob turned with marker pointing straight up, which should be the half-way setting....

These settings will get you his basic tone. On the last couple of albums, a Marshall "Randy Rhoads" head has also made it on the record and has been mostly used for cleaner tones lately, with the JVM supplying the high gain ones.

I recently read Guitar World's little article from 90's about Dave Mustaine's "Number One" Jackson KV. Dave states there that he will always be playing the "Number One" in the studio while to protect it, uses his signatures on stage. I'm curious if this is still the same or does Dave use his Dean signatures in the studio on the recent records?

Thanks
Joel R

_________________________________________

Hi Joel, Dave Mustaine uses his Dean guitars exclusively on stage, in the studio and on the recent Megadeth records. In fact, Dave is considering offers on his Jackson No. 1! Keep an eye on the sites and Dave's Twitter account for more info. twitter.com/davemustaine.

And if you haven't heard yet, one of Dave's other Jackson's, his Y2KV Prototype will be on auction at Megadeth's eBay store this week! It's a rare item and you'll want to check that out! href="http://stores.ebay.com/theofficialmegadethstore" target="_blank">stores.ebay.com/theofficialmegadethstore

-ScorpioN

12/31/2012

Hi, I live in north central FL, and am a huge Megadeth fan. Sadly, I have never seen a show because I'm not old enough to drive and Megadeth rarely plays Florida. And when they do, it's usually only a few weekday shows no where near me! Why does Megadeth never come to NCFL on weekends, or just FL, often?!?! I just wanna hear some Deth!!

Justin, FL

_________________________________________

Hello Justin, hang in there, the band has visited Florida once or twice before and I am sure they will again. You'll get your chance, and when you do, get ready for the show of your life!

As for the mighty Megadeth not getting to Florida often... I have to disagree! ;)

I wanted to ask you if any Megadeth member has a tattoo. I know is a silly question but I'm really curious. Thanks,

VeraBE

_______________________________________

Hello Vera, not a silly question at all. Here are the facts for you and a few quotes from the guys.

Dave Mustaine
Tattoos - 0
"Me? Tattoos? I would never put a bumper sticker on a Mercedes Benz"

David Ellefson
Tattoos - 0
"Nope I do not have any!! My only ratios are my freckles!!"

Chris Broderick
Tattoos - 0
"I don't have any tattoo's. Some I think are cool and have considered getting them but never enough to actually get one."

Shawn Drover
Tattoos - 1

....and we'll leave you to wonder where and what Shawn's tattoo is! ;)

-ScorpioN

12/10/2012

Hello ScorpioN!

Where can I get a pair of Megadeth logo picks to make my very own Megadeth earrings? Being as they are one of my favorite bands I would like to add them to my DIY jewelry collection. I've looked on Amazon but only one thing came up and it was a display with a bunch of picks and I just need the two since I have only two ears. I like the ones that Ellefson and Mustaine keep on their mike stands (green & yellow, respectively, from what I could see) but was not close enough to the stage to catch any. I assume the ones they use have the band name on them, but I suppose I could be wrong about this. Anyway, dude, I would greatly appreciate if you or any of your Mega cohorts could help me out with this. I don't expect to be the question of the week, I just want to make some earrings, dang it!

Thanks,

Jenni P. in K.C.

_______________________________________

Hello Jenni, I will arrange to have a couple of Megadeth guitar picks sent out to you to make some earrings with! What a great idea! Merry Christmas and make sure to send us back a photo of them when they are done, ok?

ScorpioN

11/26/2012

Dear ScorpioN

I was wondering, what the story behind the episode of Duck Dodgers and Megadeth is?

Kris

__________________________________________

Hello Kris,

The episode "In Space, No One Can Hear You Rock" featured Dave Mustaine and Megadeth, and the band performed "Back in the Day". It originally aired Saturday, November, 5th 2005 on the Cartoon/Boomerang Network. In this episode, the Martians create a weapon to drain energy from Earth's music and use its atomic power to destroy the Earth. Dodgers unfreezes Dave to play enough heavy metal to overload the device. Megaduck rules!

Duck Dodgers was not Mustaine's only television appearance. He has also been featured on Rock N Roll Jeopardy!, The Drew Carrey Show, Black Scorpion, Behind the Music, I Love the 80s, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Top Ten, Headbanger's Ball, CNN, and several others. Seems he's had quite the tv career.

You can search Youtube for Megadeth on Duck Dodgers to check out the entire episode.

11/13/2012

What band is the biggest influence on Dave Mustaine?

_______________________________________

My friend, that would be the great Led Zeppelin.

-ScorpioN

11/05/2012

I play bass, and it's really frustrating when I cover Poison Was The Cure with my bass sounding too clean. How does Ellefson gets that Slap-pop sound, while using a pick?

Thank you.

_______________________________________

David Ellefson uses a pick and has a very clean sound, but he now adds bass chorus pedal to help the intro for 'Poison Was The Cure' have a bit more of a colorful sound. He turns the pedal off once he is into the song with the full band.

-ScorpioN

10/29/2012

Scropion, I heard that Dave Mustaine has black belts in martial arts. What does he have black belts for?

Dave's Sensei has the style of karate, kung-fu, aikido, judo, ju-jitsu, taekwondo, Greco-Roman wrestling, Muay Thai boxing and American boxing. So it's all those things rolled into one. It's a nine-style discipline. His second black belt is in Songham Taekwondo and he was an assistant instructor in that style, and then he taught it privately for a while.

In 2007, Dave became a Goodwill Ambassador to the World Taekwondo Federation in Seoul, South Korea and was awarded honorary 4th Dan certificate in the discipline.

-ScorpioN

10/22/2012

Hi Scorpion I would like to ask you, how many is Megadeth's tour books and which is it? Is any chance, that will be some tour book in future?

As always thanks for the answer, Kropis.

_________________________________________

Hello Kropis, the following is a list of Megadeth tour books including festival books.

Do you have any snare tuning tips to get your characteristic sound? BTW I love your drumming in the Th1rt3en's version of Black Swan, specially the bridge.

Keep rockin'!

Iván.
Argentina.

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Tuning drums is always subjective - some people like their drums tuned very tight-some very loose, etc. always try to give each drum lug the same amount of rotation for a better chance of the drum being in tune.

good luck,
Shawn

10/09/2012

Dear ScorpioN,

Hi, I wanted to know if you know what the design on the front of the Cryptic Writings album means. Or is it just some random artwork? Thanks!

-Andrew

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Well Drew, the cover was done by renowned album cover designer Hugh Syme. Mr. Syme has done artwork for such notable artists as Aerosmith, Nevermore, Queensryche, and Rush. Dave Mustaine gave the following description of this ancient symbol.

"It's called a veve ... It's a voodoo symbol... It means that you can enter into a premises, that it's safe and there is no poison. It's a warning telling you where you can and can not go. It's also a direction. Most of the hobos were people who practiced voodoo. They would go from building to building whether it was a shanty or it was a shack. They would go in there and they'd find chalk writings on the wall that told them if it was a safe place. It was usually done with a burnt stick... When I first got the artwork back it was littered with voodoo symbols and all kinds of stuff. I told them that it was too heavy. I didn't want anything on there that would give homage to pagan gods and shit like that. I want it to be about the music. As it is, that symbol right there, we don't really know exactly what the combination of everything is. We know pretty much what the breakdown of each symbol is but it's like crossing different kinds of medications. You take two separate medications and they have a different and combined effect. There might be something where those symbols counter another symbol and turn it into something else."